HM

Lecture 6: Domestic Violence

Types of Domestic Violence

  • Definition: Domestic Violence (DV)/Intimate Partner Violence is a behavior pattern aimed at establishing power/control over an intimate partner through intimidation and fear.

Symmetry of Domestic Violence Debate

  • Gender Symmetry: Debate exists on whether domestic violence is symmetric (equal male and female violence) or asymmetric (predominantly male violence).

  • Research Perspectives:

    • Some researchers (Straus, Gelles, Steinmetz) argue for gender symmetry.

    • Others (Wilson & Daly, Dobash & Dobash) argue for male dominance in perpetration.

  • Johnson (1995): Both views might be correct depending on the sample:

    • Community samples show equality in offenses, but low violence.

    • Shelter/hospital samples indicate higher rates of male-perpetrated violence.

  • Research Focus: Importance of categorizing types of domestic violence.

Key Facts about Domestic Violence

  1. DV is not a result of uncontrolled behavior.

  2. Majority occurs without substance abuse present.

  3. 85-95% of serious DV cases are male-to-female.

  4. 1 in 3 female homicide victims are killed by current/former partners.

  5. Domestic violence accounts for the leading cause of women visiting emergency rooms.

  6. 50%+ of battering husbands also abuse their children.

  7. Highest risk of homicide for women occurs during/after leaving an abuser.

  8. Police have prior involvement in 85% of assault cases before homicides.

  9. DV has been a factor in a significant percentage of all homicides in Franklin County since 1990.

Walker's Cycle of Violence

  1. Tension building phase

  2. Explosion phase

  3. Honeymoon phase

Examples of Dating Violence Behaviors

  • Physical violence: hitting, throwing things.

  • Verbal abuse: name-calling, yelling.

  • Controlling behaviors: monitoring actions, finances, communication.

  • Coercive tactics: threats, ultimatums, blackmail.

Signs of an Abusive Personality

  1. Push for quick involvement.

  2. Jealousy and controlling behavior.

  3. Isolation from friends/family.

  4. Unrealistic expectations for the partner.

  5. Blame-shifting and hypersensitivity.

  6. Cruelty to animals/children.

  7. Use of force in intimacy without consent.

  8. Sudden mood swings and threats of violence.